February 02, 2014 (Toblach, Italy) – Canada’s Alex Harvey laid down another strong result claiming 5th as Alexander Legkov (RUS) won his first ever 15km CL individual start competition on Saturday in Toblach, Italy. Switzerland’s Dario Cologna (SUI), returning to the World Cup following his ankle injury in Nov., was a stellar second just +2.9 seconds back showing he’s ready for Sochi. In third was Sweden’s Marcus Hellner at 17.6s behind for his first podium this season, also signaling his form for the upcoming Games.

Erik Bjornsen was also on fire placing 18th for the top USA result and the “…best race of his life”, as the young Alaskan skier scored his first World Cup points. Bjornsen made the transfer to Toblach from the U23 Worlds in Val di Fiemme where he’s had decent results as well.

“That was a solid race from Alex. He started out conservative and then made up ground throughout the race,” said Justin Wadsworth, head coach, Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team. “This week is all about shaking out the cobwebs after being at altitude so it was a good day.”

Bjornsen was suitably pleased with his performance and was stoked to catch a ride with Hellner for part of his race and held on for a career-best result despite having legs that felt like jello near the end.

“Everything seemed to come together on Saturday. The wax, the race feelings, and of course the nice ride from Mr. Marcus Hellner. After the U23’s I was feeling a little disappointed. It’s been kind of tough lately, I feel very fit but the results have not been showing it. The game plan was to go out hard and try to ski with some fast people if I got the chance. It was about one kilometer into my first loop when I got hupped from behind,” Bjornsen told Trax post-race.

“I had no idea who it was going to be but I knew I was ready to chase whoever it was. It took me a few seconds to realize that it was THE Marcus Hellner. After staying with him for a few minutes I decided I wasn’t going to let him go. By my second loop, his third and final, he really started pushing the pace and by the end of that loop I felt like we were both sprinting every hill.

“He finally gapped me in the stadium when he only had a few hundred meters left. I wanted to go with him all the way to the finish but I figured I better finish my race. I was completely dead but I kept going on an empty tank knowing that right now I was sitting in top 15 and if I could somehow ski a decent last lap by myself it was going to be possible to score my first World Cup points.

“It seemed like by the top of every hill I was going to fall over and all I was thinking about was not screwing things up. Every corner my legs were jello but somehow I managed to stay on my feet and make it to the finish in 18th place. This is by far the best race of my life. I’m just SOO excited,” he concluded.

Further back was Canada’s Devon Kershaw in 39th with World Cup newbie Graeme Killick in 40th followed by the USA’s Noah Hoffman in 41st.  Canada’s Jesse Cockney was 51st, Ivan Babikov was 62nd, Kris Freeman (USA) placed 64th and Brian Gregg (USA) finished 69th.

“Devon and Ivan struggled with their skis today in the conditions,” added Wadsworth. “All of the guys are feeling really good and I think are looking good heading into the Games.”

Results here.

Photos courtesy of NNF and Flyingpointroad.com in support of US skiers
The mission of the National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is to provide support for the athlete development pipeline of US Cross Country and Nordic Combined skiing. The NNF accomplishes this development goal through raising funds and distribution to our “Pillar Projects” that serve the next generation of athletes who represent the United States on the world stage. To donate or for more information about NNF Pillar Projects, click here.